Commodity chain : SPICES, COFFEE AND TEA

Background history of the project

In 1988, the family owned company POABS invested in an old colonial estate which had been abandoned and decided to turn it into a true ecosystem, with long term economical and social durability in mind. First actions taken concentrated on the management of water, which is overabundant during the rain season and scarce during the dry season. Dozens or reservoirs were dug, fertile mud was retrieved from their bottom and this allowed for the creation of an arable layer of soil in the eroded parts where rock had become apparent.

The Organic Fair Trade partnership between Arcadie and growers of the POABS Indian plantation resulted from the encounter between Arcadie and Thomas Jacob (owner of the plantation) during a Biofach trade exhibition in Nuremberg. Representatives from Arcadie travelled to India to visit the plantation and to set up the Organic Fair Trade partnership with local stakeholders. Regular visits to India are organised to follow up and promote the projects (creation of a 20 mn film). Thomas Jacob also visited the premises of Arcadie when they were inaugurated.

Over and above the partnerships linked to Organic Fair Trade projects, Arcadie brings occasional support such as financial assistance after the tsunami.

Local Partners

POABS

Context

India has known a serious crisis on tea following the opening of frontiers with Sri Lanka and the resulting competition on tea between the two countries. Many Indian coops were closed, growers were ruined and many committed suicide.

Stakes

The Nelliyampathy plantation ("Hill of the Redcurrents" in Malayalam, the language spoken in Kerala) wishes to be an economical, social and environmental model for Kerala and for India in general. Located in the Western Ghats chain of mountains, rising 6,500 feet above sea level, the plantation sits above the coastal plain of Kerala amidst cascading streams. Plantations are preserved from any neighbouring pollution and biodynamic agriculture has been implemented here since 2003. High quality products with high added value are manufactured here and investments have been made to support their processing.

Program Description

The primary objective of Arcadie is to sustain the promotion of an exemplary initiative in India. Boosted by its success, POABS bought more than 7,500 acres of abandoned land, which allowed for the employment of more than 1,000 workers in a region stricken by unemployment and poverty. Crops will be diversified gradually.

Families at Nelliyampathy are provided private and individual accommodation on the plantation, together with water and electricity. A small garden in front of each of the houses allows for the growing of vegetables and flowers. Children are either welcome in an elementary school on site or driven to the local council school. Scholarships are granted to the best students who can go on to higher level studies. A free health clinic allows for the delivery of primary care. A wholesale grocer is available, offering products to cover basic needs and avoiding the expensive trip to the city. For more details, please visit the POABS website.

Arcadie also encouraged POABS to develop a RICE project with small producers (see RICE page).

Companies being engaged in this commodity chain

ARCADIE, CAFE MICHEL.